southwest region - oct 2011

8/2/2019 Southwest Region - Oct 2011

1/56

The Fly-ByA Quarterly Newsletter of the

Southwest RegionOctober, 2011

News Highlights From Around the Region

In the third quarter of 2011, the SWR NFA ran at Shawnee,Okla., the SWR Staff College ran at Kirtland AFB, memberwings participated in several missions, and IACE cadetsvisited the regions wings. At the National Conference, TexasWings Maj. Phyllis Sutton was presented the F. Ward ReillyLeadership Award. She commands the Frisco CadetSquadron, this years National Squadron of Distinction.

To avoid errors or omissions, Ive asked each wing PAO tosend in a summary of notable events. They are posted belowin the order in which they were received, with my thanks.

Arizona WingsAug. 20 OPEX turned into a real-worldmission when the Arizona Department of EmergencyManagement tasked the wing with aerial storm damageassessment photography. Aircrew members also spottedwreckage from a downed airplane in Northern Arizona duringa SAR in August. Yuma Cadet Lt. Col. Jacquelyn JacqueTaylor earned the Ira C. Eaker Award, presented by StateRepresentative Lynne Pancrazi on Aug. 11, 2011.

New Mexico Wingspent a busy quarter flying water safety

support missions for the State, staging two SAREXes forcontinued mission proficiency, and conducting a UnitCommanders Course and a Corporate Learning Course.Kirtland AFB hosted the SWR Staff College and thePararescue Orientation Course NCSA. Cadet SpencerGraham won the NHQ DDR slogan competition. The Top Guninstrument proficiency course, co-hosted with Colorado Wing,was a great success, and glider orientation flights rounded offthe quarter. The wing had its survey and audit in September,and in October is restarting the Wing Newsletter under theeditorship of Lt. Col. Jay T. Tourtel, new Assistant Wing PAO.

Oklahoma Wingconducted firefighting assistanceoperations in support of local and state agencies, as well as

other missions, including counter-drug support activities andsearch and rescue training. Aircrew and ground team membertraining was active during this period. In July, the wingconducted the SWR National Flight Academy, with 28 CAPcadets from all over the country attending, and a record 24 ofthem soloing. The wing hosted seven IACE cadets fromAustralia, Canada and Turkey who visited the state for a week.

Louisiana Wingreceived two awards at the 2011 CAPNational Convention held in Louisville, Ky., the National Awardof Excellence for Disaster Relief and a Commanders

Southwest Region Staff

Commander

Col. Frank Buethe, CAP

Vice Commander (TX, AR, LA)

Col. Robert F. Eldridge, CAP

Vice Commander (AZ, NM, OK)

Col. John J. Varljen, CAPChief of Staff

Lt. Col. James Quick, CAP

CAP-USAF Liaison RegionCommander

Lt. Col. Donald M. Don Hensley

Director of Public Affairs &Newsletter Editor

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP

oOo

The Fly-By is published quarterly onthe first month of each quarter.Deadline for submissions are:

1Q 20 December2Q 20 March

3Q 20 June

4Q 20 September

Textmay be submitted in the body ofan e-mail (preferred) or as a documentattached to an e-mail (a text file or, ifgenerated in a word processor, savedin .RTF format).

Imagesmust be in JPG format, un-retouched, un-cropped, and at least1200 by 900 pixels.

Credits:In all cases, please give fullgrade, name and unit of assignment of

1. The articles author,2. Photographer, and

3. Any person mentioned in thearticle.

oOo

Send submissions to the Editor at:

[email protected]

Message size limit: 20 MB


2/56

The Fly-By, Southwest Region, October 2011

Page 2 of 56

Commendation in recognition of the wings flood disaster missions. Cadets from three wingsparticipated in the summer cadet encampment at Barksdale AFB. The annual wing conference inPineville counted with special guests CAP Col. Mary Feik and USAF Col. Paul D. Gloyd, II, CAP-USAF Vice Commander. A Barksdale Composite Squadron cadet visited the UK as an IACEprogram participant.

Arkansas Wingheld two training conferences and a search-and-rescue exercise, launched its

2011 Wreaths Across America campaign, and earned a National Search and Rescue Award. Onecadet attended the SWR National Powered Flight Academy in Shawnee, Okla. A CorporateLearning Course and Training Leaders of Cadets course were followed by an AOPA SafetySeminar, an aerospace education workshop, and the wings first annual charity golf tournament atLittle Rock AFB, rounding off the quarters activities.

Texas Wingearned CAP National awards on HLS/CD, AE and CP, and a Unit Citation forwildfire over-flights. Maj. Phyllis Sutton won the F. Ward Reilly Award and Frisco Composite the

National Squadron of Distinction. A Successful SAREVAL merited an Outstanding rating on CISMand Excellent on Flightline, Safety, and Public Affairs. During August, in spite of high

temperatures, the wing flew 518 hours. Cadet 1st Lt. James Shawn a spectator used skillslearned in LESA Wilderness First Responder and GSARSS to render impromptu help to some ofthe Reno Air Race disaster victims.

To everyone, our congratulations.

oOo

Safety is Priority One

Please read the latest issue of The Safety Beacon for timely, seasonal advice athttp://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/safety/safety_newsletters.cfm

Have you taken the Operational Risk ManagementBasic, Intermediate and Advanced onlinecourses? Please visit: http://www.capmembers.com/safety/orm.cfm

Safety must be on every CAP members mind, at all times.

Before engaging in any CAP activity, a safety briefing must be conducted.

Dont miss the Safety Specialty Track training posted athttp://www.capmembers.com/safety/safety_training/orm_training.cfm

Safety is our Number One Priority.

How to Submit News Items for this Newsletter

Which Articles Are Best?

Ideally, articles should deal with a wing-wide event, preferably conducted in conjunction orcoordinated with another wing (or better yet across regions).

Individual articles dealing with a subject that is of interest to a broad audience qualify as well.

Articles bylined by cadets, especially when the subject is of interest to a broad audience, arealso welcome.

Do I Submit Photos?

Whenever possible, include images with your article. Do not embed images in a Worddocument. Instead, send in the original, un-retouched, full-size digital photos as attachments.

If You Have Article Ideas or Suggestions

If you have an article in mind but are not sure whether it would be acceptable, you need someguidance in writing it, or you would like to make a comment about the material published here,please feel free to contact the editor: [email protected]


3/56


Page 3 of 56

The 2011 Southwest Region National Flight Academy forms on the tarmac for a group photo. Student Pilots are wearing blueT-shirts; others are instructors and staff members. At far left, Col. Virginia Keller.(Photos: 2nd Lt. Barry Fogerty, CAP)

SWR National Flight Academy Lands in Shawnee Again

by 2nd Lt. Barry L. Fogerty, CAP and 1st Lt. Phyllis A. Howard, CAP

SHAWNEE, Okla. Clear Prop! is the call that will echo across the tarmac and be heard bymany at Oklahomas Shawnee Regional Airport on July 8-18, 2011, as cadet students start theengine of Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172 aircraft. It reflects the flight training received by many CAPCadets at the National Flight Academy.

This year, the Southwest Region (SWR) National Flight Academy (NFA) has a class of 28cadets, ranging in age from 16 to 18, who have come from 15 different wings, representing six ofthe eight Civil Air Patrol regions.

Cadet 2nd Lt. David Harris, ColoradoWing, said, On my solo, I wasnt nervous,and I felt confident because I hadattended the Glider Flight Academy. Thenadded, My advice to future solo pilots isHave confidence in all you do, and listento your instructor. My experience as astudent was that the training was strict butit paid off. It was fun, too.

This prestigious flying event wassponsored by SWR and hosted byOklahoma Wing. Aspiring pilots received25 hours of Private Pilot GroundInstruction and 10 hours of flight time in aCessna 172, with one of 15 FAA CertifiedFlight Instructors on staff, all of them CAPmembers. It was known that many cadetsparticipating in the NFA would solo at the


4/56


Page 4 of 56

Academy, but no onecan tell how many untilthe event has ended.

Scholarship recipients inblue T-shirts, with

Daedalians Commander

and, at far right, Okla. WingCommander Col. Bob

Castle. (Photos: 2nd Lt.Barry Fogerty, CAP)

In each flight, twocadets fly with oneinstructor: one cadetreceives flight instructionand the other oneobserves. They switchroles frequently, due tothe intensity of the training. Ground support was provided by CAP volunteers, including the newly

formed Shawnee Flight, part of the Flying Castle Composite Squadron at Tinker AFB.The Shawnee Flight held CAP information sessions on July 9 and 16 both Saturdays from

9 to 11 a.m. in the newly-completed Airport Terminal Building. Free soft drinks and pizza wereprovided

The learning environment is specially designed for CAP cadets. The low ratio of one to twostudents per instructor assured that there would be plenty of time for individual instruction.

The general public was invited to visit the ramp at the Shawnee Municipal Airport to see the 16Cessna 172s and the student pilots from various states. The aircrafts red, white and blue colorscheme reflects the pride all participants take in being CAP members and Americans.

Below: As part of the pre-flight inspection, student pilots learn how to check the oil level on a Cessna 172.


5/56


Page 5 of 56

Cadet 2nd Lt. Lance Morrow refuels a Cessna 172, part of his duties as a staff assistant at the Southwest Region NationalFlight Academy, Shawnee, Okla. (Photos: 2nd Lt. Barry Fogerty, CAP)

Cadets Fly High, Braving Hot Summer Days

by Cadet 2nd Lt. Lance Morrow, CAP

SHAWNEE, Okla. Twenty-six Civil Air Patrol cadets took to the skies on Sunday, July 10 insixteen Civil Air Patrol aircraft from Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee andArkansas, as they participated in the Civil Air Patrols Southwest Region National Flight Academy(NFA) on July 8-18, 2011. Cadets came from across the United States and as far away as Hawaiito get 20 hours of ground school, enjoy at least 10 flight hours, and hopefully solo. Out of 28

cadets who had enrolled inthe course, two werentable to fly because ofmedical reasons.

National Flight Academybegan early as the cadetshit the books in the morning

of Saturday, July 9, startingtheir rapid climb through anintensive ground schoolthat would prepare them formost aspects of flying acomplicated modernaircraft.

On Sunday, cadetswoke up at 5 a.m. and ate


6/56


Page 6 of 56

a quick breakfast, hoping for the best as they headed to the airport to take advantage of the coolmorning and thus avoid flying in the prevailing 100-degree weather.

All aircraft were put through a thorough pre-flight checklist, as instructors showed theirstudents how to safely ready an airplane for flight. After completing their pre-flight checklist tasks,cadets learned how to taxi their aircraft on the ground and then take off into the clear air.

Once in the air, cadets ran through basic flight maneuvers, such as turns and stalls, and alsopracticed landing approaches. It was a truly fun learning experience, said sixteen-year-oldCadet Chief Master Sgt. Claire Schindler. Then she added, Im trying to improve my comfortlevel with the aircraft controls, and I really hope to solo.

Cadet Schindler is from Springfield, Virginia and plays junior varsity soccer for her school. Sheenjoys playing the piano, hanging out with friends at the mall and at movies, and hopes tobecome a stunt pilot.

Col. Virginia Keller, former Oklahoma Wing commander and vice-commander, was on staff atthe NFA this year. Of the 26 cadets able to fly, we soloed 24 of them, a very high percentage,she said.

Last year, I was a student at the NFA but failed to solo. This year, attending as a member ofthe NFA staff, I was given the opportunity, and soloed. That really made a total of 25 solos for the

event, but since I was not a student, it didnt count for the record.On average, slightly over 50% of all NFA students manage to solo.

Senior Member Bill Rowden cuts off the tail of Cadet 2nd Lt. Lance Morrows T-shirt. Custom dictates that the whole classshould sign the cut-off, after which the solo cadet gets doused with pails full of water.(Photo: 2nd Lt. Barry Fogerty, CAP)


7/56


Page 7 of 56

Student pilots pay close attention to pre-flight inspection in the cool of the day. Early morning flights were favorites, as thedays reached very high temperatures. (Photos: 2nd Lt. Barry Fogerty, CAP)

National Flight Academy Success for 24 CAP Cadets

by 2nd Lt. Barry Fogerty, CAP

SHAWNEE, Okla. Twenty-four out of 26 eligible cadets completed their first solo flight at theShawnee Municipal Airport by the end of flight operations on Sunday, July 17, 2011. The 2011Class of the Southwest Region National Flight Academy had spent the highly successful longweek of July 8-18, 2011 profitably, having achieved an unusually high success rate.

A student authorized to solo goes though many emotions in a short time. The first is pride at

knowing he has performed to expectations; the solo flight is his reward. Next is nervousness athaving to rely on himself to overcome any in-flight difficulties. Following that is the joy of flying theairplane with no one else on board.

Traditionally, following a solo the instructor cuts off the students shirt tail. This is a reminder ofthe time when instructors riding in the back of a tandem aircraft had no intercom and pulled onthe shirt tail of the student on the front seat. Cutting off the shirt tail symbolizes that the instructorno longer controls the student. Getting doused, receiving the accolades of his peers, and theinstructors approval at the end of the solo are icing on the cake.


8/56


9/56


Page 9 of 56

Southwest Region Staff College

by Capt. Sandra Smith, CAP

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. The Southwest Region Staff College was held July 16-22, 2011, onKirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The courses were conducted in the oldNon-Commissioned Officer Academy, under the directorship of Col. Mark Smith, the New MexicoWing Commander.

There were many firsts this year. In the past, Air Force NCO instructors from the Academy hadtaught most of the curriculum, but not this time. Col. Smith selected Civil Air Patrol instructors andstaff members, and the Region plans to continue using only CAP members to run and teach the

college in future years.It was also the first year that staff members had seen so many students with upper-level

academic degrees. Out of eleven attending, five had PhDs, four Masters, and two Bachelors.

The new curriculum defines good leadership skills and offers a wider opportunity to learnproblem-solving techniques. It has tremendous value in our CAP activities, and offers skills thatcan be taken into real-life leadership opportunities, said Lt. Col. Sharon Lane, an instructor andformer college director. The updated college curriculum is in its second year, and students havefound it more challenging and all-encompassing overall.


10/56


Page 10 of 56

It was also a first for me in terms of being on staff. I had the honor of serving as a seminaradvisor and gently guiding a seminar group throughout the week. I say gently because it wassomething I had to keep remembering. As a former student and a currently serving squadroncommander, I had experience that could have made my groups time at the college very easy.But, as Lt. Col. Heather Muehleisen the curriculum director and 2012 college director advisedme, Its not your job to lead them. Whether they succeed or fail, it needs to be up to them.

It has been said that no one truly understands something until one needs to teach it, and thiswas impressed upon me. In the end, it was true, as I learned when I took stock of what I hadgained from RSC. As a student, there had been so much to absorb that I had a hard time seeingoutside the box or beyond the tactical applications. I used what I had learned at the collegeimmediately upon returning to my squadron in Texas Wing. However, it was not until this year onstaff that I truly realized how beneficial RSC had been to me. I was quite shocked to realize that Ihad built much of my squadron and command style based on what I had learned here.

Everyone needs reassurance at some point, and RSC provided that to me. I saw clearly that Ihadnt been going in the wrong direction, but that I needed to continue in the same vein. Inaddition, being a seminar advisor added a whole new challenge for me. This was a skill that Ihadn't realized I would need to learn, yet itwas a perfect fit for me.

Not only did I find myself, but saw that Ineeded to stop leading by the hand somuch, and let others around me begintheir own journey.

Top: Seminar Advisor Certificate recipientsCapt. Sandra Smith (Texas), Capt. Walter

Dunton (N.M.), Capt. Anette Peters (N.M.), Col.Mark Smith, Maj. Paul Rappmundt (La.), and

Maj. Dennis Kern (Texas).Right: SWRs Lt. Col. Sharon Lane after giving

Col. Mark Smith a framed, autographed classphoto. (Preceding page photo, US Air Force;

This page, Capt. Bradner Jones, CAP)


11/56


Page 11 of 56

.Cadet Officer School 2011, CAPs National LeadershipSchool

by Cadet Capt. Jackson A. Kuplack, CAP

MONTGOMERY, Alabama On July 9, 2011, 120 cadets fromevery corner of the nation traveled to Maxwell Air Force Base toattend the Civil Air Patrols premier cadet leadership school: NationalCadet Officer School (COS). Our grades varied from Cadet 2nd Lt. toCadet Maj., we ranged in age from 16 to 20, and we had come tolearn how to lead. Over the following ten days, we would do just that.

After some complicated and lengthy air travel, we finally arrived atMontgomery Airport, from where we were driven over to Maxwell AirForce Base. Once there, we got our schedule, COS course book,room key, and money, and headed upstairs for the initial briefing. Yes,I said room key; and yes, I said money.

Cadet Capt. Jackson Kuplack, CAP.(Photo: Cadet 2nd Lt. Regan Roshetko, CAP)

Cadets had their own small suite, complete with walk-in closet,bathroom, and kitchen. Also, each cadet is allotted money for eachdays meals. Since COS is run in a collegiate atmosphere, we wereexpected to act responsibly, and that meant using money and time

wisely, despite the freedom we would be given. At COS, cadets aretreated as adults, and are expected to behave that way.

Things got going by the following day, when everybody was in andI got the pleasure of meeting the other 11 members of my team (Flight6). Our flight had two flight leaders, Air Force Lt. Col Julie Kling and CAP Lt. Col Jim Jenkins.Each flight gets an Air Force Officer and a Civil Air Patrol Senior Member to lead them. Ours,throughout the week, proved to be outstanding teachers and mentors, helping us whenever weneeded it, and giving us important and helpful insight.


12/56


Page 12 of 56

Flight 6 participates in one of 10 leadershipseminars during the 10-day activity. (L-R) C/Capt.Sean Owens, C/Capt. Noah Johnson, C/Capt.Katherine Andrieu, C/2nd Lt. Regan Roshetko,C/2nd Lt. Matthew Bruffey, C/Maj. ChristopherWeinzaphel, C/Capt. Erin Fetters, C/Capt. GregWeatherford, and C/Capt. Steven Benson.

(Photo: Cadet Capt. Jackson Kuplack)

Throughout the week we followed basicallythe same routine. At 6:45 a.m., we met at thelobby of our building and headed to breakfast,after which we had "Flight Time" when weusually gave speeches or discussed differentleadership topics as a group before going to

class. Each morning we had two classes before noon, followed by a seminar in our flight rooms todiscuss what we had learned.

Curt Lafond, NHQ Deputy Director for CadetPrograms and Col. William R. Bean, USAF

Ret. The latter, a Distinguished Flying Crosswinner and Vietnam War veteran, talked to usabout his 310-day captivity in North Vietnam as

a POW.(Photo: Cadet Capt. Jackson Kuplack)

Some of our courses were Leadershipand Followership" by Chief Master Sgt.Lonnie Slater, "Leadership and Ethics" byCol. Gene Kamena, "The Senior OfficerPerspective" by Brig. Gen. StephenDenker, "Critical Thinking" by Dr. TonyGould, and "Strategic Planning" by Col.John Warden, USAF Ret, to name a few.

Listening to some of these lectures was anincredible experience, as these were notjust lectures, but the handing down of great thinking by truly successful leaders. Col. JohnWarden, for example, is considered one of the most influential strategists since the Second WorldWar. There are some who believe his name belongs among those of Billy Mitchell and GiulioDouhet. We also heard Col. Ray Bean, USAF Ret, a Vietnam veteran who shared with us his

experiences as a POW.

Flight 6 before the 2011 COS VolleyballChampionship Game. In no particularorder, C/2nd Lt. Danielle Garcia-Lance,C/Capt. Joshua Figarola, C/Maj.Christopher Weinzaphel, C/Capt.Jackson Kuplack, C/Capt. Erin Fetters,

C/Capt. Sean Owens, C/Capt. StevenBenson, C/Capt. Katherine Andrieu,C/2nd Lt. Regan Roshetko, C/2nd Lt.Matthew Bruffey, C/Capt. NoahJohnson, and C/Capt. GregWeatherford.(Photo: Lt. Col. Julie Kling.)

Each day, following the lectures,we had two activities that helped us


13/56


Page 13 of 56

learn a lot aboutcommunication andteamwork. One was TeamLeadership Projects(TLPs), using complexscenarios during whichwe had to use flawlessteamwork to accomplish agiven goal. One couldprobably describe themas puzzles massivepuzzles that took a lot ofproblem-solving andleadership to work out.We had a total of threeTLPs.

The other activity wasevening volleyball, and allstudents participated.

Each flight would playagainst another in a three-game match to see which used better team work. Our flight did verywell. We were greatly energized andmotivated by being out there on thecourt succeeding as a group match, after match, after match. Wewere absolutely electrified by ourconstant victories.

Top: C/Maj Christopher Weinzaphelspeaks during a Flight 6 Seminar (L-R):

C/Capt. Steven Benson, C/Maj.Christopher Weinzaphel, C/Capt. Sean

Owens, and C/Capt. Erin Fetters (Photo:

C/ 2nd Lt. Danielle Garcia-Lance)Right: C/Capt Noah Johnson works to

complete an obstacle as Flight 6participates in Project X.

(Photo: Lt. Col. Julie Kling)

After a few days, we realized thatwe might go undefeated, and afteran incredible 24-22 victory (to win, ateam must reach 12 points, butneeds to do so by a margin of 2points) that went on three times aslong as any other match thatevening, we knew that our groupwas capable of something great. Afew days later, we found ourselvesat the championship game, beingwatched by the entire school as theypounded the We will rock youbeatbefore the game. We went on to winthat match in a hard-fought battle,becoming the only undefeated teamat COS.


14/56


Page 14 of 56

I have never beenpart of a more tightly-knit group at any CAPactivity than Flight 6.We were all extremelysupportive, knew whatwe were doing, andcontributed to theteam. Each evening,following volleyball,we would head backto our billets wherewe worked for threehours as a groupdoing our homework.

Everything we learned in the lectures and seminars was put to the test at Project X. This is anobstacle course used by the Air Force to train men and women who are learning how to becomeofficers. Although I said obstacle course, it was nothing like the average encampment obstaclecourse. Each obstacle had its own set of rules, and at each obstacle one cadet was the

designated leader. That leader must find a way to solve the problem, communicate that solutionto the team, and effectively get everyone across in 15 minutes. It is much harder than it mightsound, but it is an excellent way to test one's leadership skills in a real situation.

I have never been as sad to say goodbye after a CAP activity before as I was at this one,since it was by far the greatest one I have ever attended. There is only one place where youget to discuss advanced leadership topics with distinguished professors, learn about conceptsvital to us as leaders, meet the National Commander, tour National Headquarters, and of coursemeet the best cadets in the country. That place is Cadet Officer School.

And I will never forget my fellow flight members, Cadet Maj. Christopher Weinzaphel, Cadet2nd Lt. Danielle Garcia-Lance, Cadet Capt. Joshua Figarola, Cadet Capt. Greg Weatherford,Cadet Capt. Sean Owens, Cadet Capt. Erin Fetters, Cadet Capt. Katherine Andrieu, Cadet 2ndLt. Matthew Bruffey, Cadet Capt. Noah Johnson, Cadet2nd Lt. Regan Roshetko, and Cadet Capt. Steven Benson.They contributed to make this an awesome experience.And we were all grateful to our flight leaders Lt. Col. JulieKling and Lt. Col. Jim Jenkins for being such outstandingteachers and mentors.

Top: USAF Lt. Col Julie Kling speaks during a leadershipseminar. (L-R): Lt. Col. Jim Jenkins, Lt. Col Julie Kling, C/2nd Lt.

Danielle Garcia-Lance, and C/Capt. Sean Owens(Photo: Cadet Capt Jackson Kuplack)

Right: C/Capt Erin Fetters makes her way across an obstacleduring Project X. (L-R) C/Capt. Steven Benson, C/2nd Lt.

Matthew Bruffey, C/Capt. Erin Fetters, and C/Capt. Sean Owens.(Photo: Lt. Col. Julie Kling, USAF)

Every CAP cadet officer eligible to apply to COS oughtto attend, and enlisted cadets should aspire to attend it.The leadership lessons learned at COS representinvaluable knowledge that is sure to be useful in the realworld for ever.

NOTE:Cadet Capt. Jackson Kuplak is the Cadet DeputyCommander, Randolph Composite Squadron, Texas Wing.

(Editor)


15/56


Page 15 of 56

At the Louisiana Wing Conference (L-R) Capt. Alfred Spain, Former Louisiana Wing and Southwest Region Commander Col.Colin Fake and Louisiana Wing Commander Col. Art Scarbrough as the latter prepares to address conference attendees, andagain congratulate them on their achievement. (Photo: Maj. Vic. Santana, CAP)

Louisiana Wing Earns Two National Awards

by Maj. Michael James, CAP, Louisiana Wing

BATON ROUGE, La. During the Civil Air Patrol National Boards and Annual Conferenceheld on Aug. 17-20, 2011 at the Marriott Louisville Downtown Hotel in Louisville, Ky., LouisianaWing was recognized at an awards ceremony.

Louisiana Wing Commander Col. Art Scarbrough accepted the National Award for Excellencein Disaster Relief and the National Commanders Commendation for missions involving floodingsurveillance.

In a message to the wing membership, Col. Scarbrough said, These two awards speak highlyof the professionalism and can do attitude of our wing. We have been recognized and applaudedamongst our peers, on the national level.

Southwest Region Commander Col. Frank A. Buethe asked that Col. Scarbrough pass on hiscongratulations to the entire Louisiana Wing membership.


16/56


Page 16 of 56

Arkansas Wing Performs Successful Search Exercise near Hot Springsby Maj. Jonathan VerHoeven, CAP

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. On Aug. 27, 2011, Arkansas Wing aircrews and mission base staffconducted a search-and-rescue exercise (SAREX) in the Hot Springs area. The SAREX was builtupon a simulated overdue aircraft scenario that required the wing headquarters mission basestaff to relocate from Little Rock National Airport to Hot Springs Memorial Field in order topractice its command and control functions closer to the probable search area.

Aircrews from the 42nd (Little Rock), 83rd (Ft. Smith), 95th (Texarkana), 115th (Rogers), and120th (Jonesboro) Composite Squadrons flew search missions throughout the day. The 40thComposite Squadron (Hot Springs) provided facilities for communications operations andoperational support to mission base staff at the airports Fixed Base Operator (FBO). An aircrewcommanded by Lt. Col. Tom Eastman from the 115th located the emergency locator transmitter

(ELT) signal and eventually found the missing aircraft.

Incident Commander Lt. Col. Jim Gilbert of the wing staff reported several clear successes inthe SAREX.

1. The activity demonstrated the wings ability to relocate mission base operations andoperate in a remote setting outside of Little Rock.

2. Mission base personnel received hands-on training to upgrade their skills, and the wingplans several follow-up tabletop exercises to build on this experience.


17/56


Page 17 of 56

3. The exercise gave aircrews theopportunity to assemble in astaging operation and interfacedirectly as a group with the AirOperations staff, as well ashone their own search skills.

4. The exercise provided WingCommander Col. DougAlexander an opportunity toassess the wings search-and-rescue readiness.

After the SAREX, Lt. Col. Gilbertsaid, The Arkansas Wing does anexcellent job of performing our searchand rescue role, and continues toimprove through mission training such

as this. The success of Saturdaysexercise is entirely the result of ourdedicated and competent volunteerseffort.

Several more SAREXs will follow, asArkansas Wing prepares for its next AirForce-evaluated exercise.


18/56


Page 18 of 56

Top: Cadet Airman Spencer Graham practices as a member of the units color guard.Below: Cadet Graham assists in folding an American flag. (Photos: Capt. Norman Reames, CAP)

National DrugDemandReductionSlogan ContestWinner

by Capt. NormanReames, CAP

ALBUQUERQUE,

N.M. CAP NationalHeadquartersannounced that CadetAirman SpencerGraham was thewinner of the nationalDrug DemandReduction SloganContest. CadetGrahams entry was


19/56


Page 19 of 56

chosen from among 74 others submitted to thenationwide Civil Air Patrol contest.

His entry was selected by a vote at theNational Board and Annual Conference meetingin Louisville, Ky., held in August, 2011. CadetGrahams slogan, Follow your dream and stay

clean, will be used to further the Civil Air PatrolsDrug Demand Reduction program mission andgoals in the coming year.

When asked what inspired him to think of thisslogan, Cadet Graham replied, My dream is tofly, and attend the US Air Force Academy. Doingdrugs will not get you anything but pain.

CAP cadets and unit senior members partnerwith local military bases, schools, and localcommunity coalitions to support anti-drugactivities. Together, they provide essential andsupplemental assistance through community

outreach involvement. Through its CadetProgram, Civil Air Patrol assists not only withformal drug-free campaigns, but also with othercommunity events.

Civil Air Patrol helps through partnerships withmiddle and high schools, reaching out to thecommunity and telling young persons about thelocal squadrons Cadet Program that is designedto develop tomorrows aerospace leaders.

Civil Air Patrol cadets help middle school andhigh school students obtain a basicunderstanding of the art and science ofleadership, as they promote the drug-free ethicamong their peers.

Cadet Graham exemplifies Civil Air Patrolsteaching of ethics, summarized in theorganizations four corevalues of: Integrity,Volunteer Service,Excellence, and Respect.

Top: Cadet Graham directsaircraft ground traffic during the

recent EAA Fly-In.Right: Cadet Graham with NewMexico Wing Commander Col.

Mark Smith, CAP. (Photos:Capt. Norman Reames, CAP)

Watch posted video interview athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=RxCF2bd5gg0


20/56


Page 20 of 56

USAF Pilot call-sign HYDE, CAP 1st Lt. Carol Collins, CAP 1st Lt. Aubrie Turner, USAF Navigator 1st Lt. Felicia Simmons,and CAP Cadet Mikeala Lynn in front of a B52H Stratofortress. (Photo: Maj. John Gender)

95th Members Tour Barksdale AFB

by 1st Lt. Carol Collins, CAP

TEXARKANA, Ark. On July 29,2011, members of the 95thComposite Squadron in Texarkanatoured the facilities of BarksdaleAFB, La., including some of itsoperational units. The group got tosee a demonstration of the workingdogs and the Explosive OrdnanceDisposal unit, as well as a tour of aB-52H bomber. The bases civilianPublic Affairs Officer, Ms. MajaStevanovich, led the squadronmembers to the various trainingareas.

The first stop was a close look atthe working dogs. Air Force Staff


21/56


Page 21 of 56

Sergeant Tebbetts gave ademonstration of each of thedogs training activities,including the modes ofattack, sit and stare, andfind explosives. Seeing eachof the dogs and their handlersin action was a uniqueexperience.

Next on the agenda was avisit to the flight-line and a B-52H Stratofortress. The AirForce pilot, Capt. Hyde andhis navigator, 1st Lt. FeliciaSimmons, were very helpfuland informative escorts. Eachcadet and senior memberstood in the bomb bay and

waited his/her turn to climb into the cockpit. They went aboard two-at-a-time because of the small

space available for crew operations, and each had a chance to sit in the pilots seats, as well asat other crew positions.

Lieutenant Simmons told the story of the B-52 that has been in the Air Force inventory sincethe mid-1950s. She explained that the B-52 is capable of flying 7,652 nautical miles or 8,800


22/56


Page 22 of 56

statute miles without refuelingeither from anotheraircraft or afterlanding. With air-to-air refueling, theBUFF, or BigUgly Fat Fellow, asAir Force crewmembersaffectionately knowthe B-52, is capableof carrying 70,000pounds of mixedordnance to targetsvirtually anywherein the world.

After the B-52,the squadron visited

the ExplosiveOrdnance Disposal(EOD) unit, whose motto is, Initial Success or Total Failure. Air Force Staff Sergeant Martinexhibited the detector phase before the team demonstrated the bomb disposal robot. The 95thsown Cadet 1st Lt. Kayla Brown volunteered to suit-up in the 80-pound hot suit to demonstratethe protection it gives to task force members. The team explained that as some of their missionwork is classified, they cannot discuss it in full detail.

The visit ended with a trip to the Base Exchange and the Military Clothing Sales store. Unitmembers ate lunch at the base dining facility before taking the drive back to Texarkana.

The 95ths members, who pray for USAF Team members daily, took the opportunity to thankthem for their service and having shown them the ropes during their visit to Barksdale.

Visiting squadron cadet members were: CAP Cadets 1st Lt. Kayla Brown, Senior Airman

Sammy Brown, Senior Airman W. Skylar Harbin, Senior Airman Austina Lynn, Senior AirmanElizabeth Speer, Airman 1st Class Matthew Resendiz, and Airman Basic Mikeala Lynn. Thesenior members wereCAP Lt. Col. MartinKempa, Maj. JohnGender, 1st Lt. AubrieTurner, and 1st Lt.Carol Collins.

Top & Previous Page:Cadet 1st Lt. Kayla

Brown in the hot suitand as she examines

the robot.

Right: Squadron cadetsgreatly enjoyed theirvisit to Barksdale Air

Force Base. (Photos:1st Lt. Carol Collins)


23/56


24/56


Page 24 of 56

(Front, L-R) Cadet Airman 1st Class Justin Lindstrom, Cadet Airman Marcella Lawson, Cadet Airman Garry Patterson, CadetAirman 1st Class Christopher Hanft, Cadet Master Sgt. Kellin Tompkins, and Maj. Doug Wallace (Dallas CompositeSquadron). (Second Row, L-R) Cadet Zach Arcos, Cadet Scott Owens, Cadet David Holmes, and Cadet Senior Master Sgt.Sean Whitney. (Third Row, L-R) Cadet Airman Wesley Smythe and Cadet Trent Owens. (Fourth Row, L-R) Cadet Tech Sgt.Jeffrey Ding and Cadet Master Sgt. Rachel Womboldt. (Photos: 1st Lt. Donna Mallon, CAP)

IACE Cadets Visit Texas Wing

by Cadet Tech. Sgt. Rebekah Burnham, CAP

FRISCO, Texas On July 24, 2011, the Frisco Blackbirds Cadet Squadron took a differentapproach to their weekly meeting as visiting International Air Cadet Exchange Association (IACE)cadets would be involved in the ceremonies and activities, including Group Leadership Projects(GLPs), Ground Team searches for Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT), and much more.

Marching to a differentdrummer, Kendra Matthews-Gramer(Canada, Ottawa) & Christina Fisette(Canada, Winnipeg). (Background, L-

R) Maj. Phyllis Sutton, AndriesSchepers (Belgium, Heusden Zolder),

Jean-Pierre Denys (Belgium Escort,Tielt), Wout De Vos (Belgium,

Leuven), Jolyon Hutchings (England,London), and Andrew Gaunt

(England, Wakefield)

After the meetings openingceremony, the squadron andguests enjoyed showing how theydrilled, during which two Britishcadets, two Canadian cadets, the


25/56


Page 25 of 56

two Belgian cadets and adult visitor, andthe Frisco Blackbirds cadets participated.The Frisco cadets were much amused atthe different commands and executionsused by cadets from other countries. Aswould be expected, the British andCanadian cadets exhibited similar styles, asCanada is one of Great Britainscommonwealth nations.

Following the drill displays, the visitingcadets presented Maj. Phyllis Sutton withan award from each of their home countriesas symbols of gratitude for the Frisco CadetSquadrons hospitality during the previousfive days. At right, Maj. Sutton with IACE cadets Andrew Gaunt (England, Wakefield) and JolyonHutchings (England, London).

Afterwards, the squadron split into two sections, with a fairly even number of visiting cadets ineach. One section put on reflective safety vests and headed outside to conduct a Ground Teamsearch for ELTs, while the other one stayed indoors and split into two teams to get their GLP

going. This consisted of two minefields (represented by paper plates), with one minefielddesignated for each team. In each minefields center there was an overturned bucket, acting asthe casing for an unidentified radioactive object the teams had to extract. Each minefield couldonly be accessed through a tunnel (one for each field) full of nuclear radiation (simulated bycolored pom-pom-like objects lying on the floor). (At lower left, Cadet Master Sgt. AndrewReed and IACE Christina Fisette (Canada, Winnipeg) work their way through the "minefield.")

The GLPs objective was for two team members (each equipped with a bungee cord of adifferent length) to simultaneously enter through the tunnels and crawl through the radiation,stand up and walk through the minefield, remove the casing (bucket), and extract the unidentifieditem underneath without touching it with their hands. To make this possible, both teammateshad to work together to remove the casing. Adding to the fun, since the inside of thetunnel/minefield area was supposed to be unlit, the walkers had to be blindfolded and could onlyavoid hitting the mines by being directed by other teammates outside the facility.

This proved challenging, as the blindfolded cadets tended to take too long or too short a step,hitting a mine on their way towards the center object. In spite of the difficulties, each teameventually was able to work together to give (and follow) precise directions as to how manyinches to the left the blindfolded cadet needed to move his/her foot, or to only put down the heelof a specific foot and then pivot it so as not to inadvertently set off any mines.

A more challenging questionremained. How could the directorsguide the blindfolded cadets towardsthe casing, remove it, and thenextract the object it covered? Tomake it harder, the object was eithera small orange pylon that didnt have

a hole that could be caught with thebungee cord's hook, or a rubberchicken.

Each team attempted a number ofapproaches, yet none yieldedsignificant results. However, almostsimultaneously, both teams hit uponthe idea that one could put thecasing back over the cone/chicken,


26/56


Page 26 of 56

slide a bungee cord underneath, and flip the casing upside down using the bungee cord forsupport. This way, they could carry the object back out of the facility inside the bucket itself. Thisidea proved fruitful, and led both teams to success.

Afterwards, the teams reunited into the original section, discussing the challenges they hadencountered and how they had been able to succeed. A common theme seemed to be, Greatteamwork requires great trust and communication, as Cadet Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Ding put it.

The section then established a closer bond by doing box push-ups. This required the sectionto split into teams of four, who got into the prone position forming a square with each cadets feeton the back of the person beside him/her, so that no feet touched the floor. Then, on the count ofthree, the members of each team pushed themselves up, testing their strength. At bottom,Christina Fisette (Canada, Winnipeg), Kendra Matthews-Gramer (Canada, Ottawa), CadetSmythe and Cadet Master Sgt. Rachel Womboldt do their push-ups.

Following this accomplishment, the section running the Ground Team search returned to thebuilding. Now the former minefield section headed out to begin their search for ELTs. Of course,the section just arrived would now try their hand at the GLP. They experienced similar results asthe first section. However, this one had all the Belgian visitors, who then began directing eachother more easily in a mixture of Flemish, French, and German. Trying to achieve fairness, somesquadron senior members asked them to speak just one language preferably English.

This led to even more entertainment, as the Frisco cadets attempted to explain what it meantto flip the bucket upside down to the Belgian adult escort. Both new teams met with similarsuccess, then went on to attempt the box push-up. Somehow, it transformed itself into anunidentified shape involving everyone, rather than having the section split into separate teams offour cadets each.

Afterwards, both sections merged back in the lobby of the community church and did somemore drill practice, taking up the remaining 30 minutes of the meeting. At the close of theevening, the IACE cadets handed out ranks and badges that they had brought along as funtokens for the Frisco cadets and senior members, so they could compare the differences betweenthe ranks/badges/awards from their home organizations and those of Civil Air Patrol's.

There were some similarities, however, as the British cadets found the squadrons activitiesfamiliar. Andrew Gaunt, the British cadet from Leeds, UK, said, We have the same camaraderie

and teamwork, and we also like to have a laugh. But our group activities would be different fromthis (meaning the GLP) in that ours, instead of mines, would have something bad floating in acustard that wed have to swim through to retrieve the thing in the middle.

Kendra Matthews-Gramer, a visiting cadet from Canada, noticed the differences from the start,proclaiming, Our meetings are only on weekends, and other than that, we have optionalactivities, like sports nights. But we have no adult members, just adult instructors for classes. Weonly salute the members from thereserve organization, we age out at19, and we get paid $60 per week togo to summer camps.

The meeting concluded with aclosing formation, during which the

squadron bid the visiting cadetsfarewell. The IACE cadets would beleaving on the following day, as theytraveled to Houston to continue theirjourney in the United States.

All in all, for the Frisco cadets, itwas an intriguing look into othercountries Civil Air Patrol-likeorganizations.


27/56


Page 27 of 56

IACE cadets and escorts in front of the US Capitol Building, before departing for the UK.

A CAP Cadets International Air Cadet Exchange Experience

by Maj. Michael James, CAP

BOSSIER CITY, La. Louisiana Wing Cadet Lt. Col. Kaitlyn Fife, a member of the BarksdaleComposite Squadron in Bossier City, La., recently visited the United Kingdom. She was one ofthe CAP cadets from the United States who served as goodwill ambassadors in the InternationalAir Cadet Exchange (IACE) program.


28/56


Page 28 of 56

International cadets and escorts with crew members of the Royal Squadron.

IACE is an annual exchange of visits by air-minded youth of the U.S., Canada, Europe, the

Middle East, Africa, East Asia and the Pacific Rim with the objective of promoting internationalunderstanding, goodwill and fellowship among theyouth of the world.

Louisiana Wing Director of Cadet Programs,Maj. Victor Santana said, The Louisiana Wing wasproud to have Fife represent our state and nation.The CAP cadets selected for the Exchange have areputation for being the best of the best, havinggreat integrity and leadership ability as well as akeen interest in aviation and the culture of othercountries, and the will to share their experienceswith their fellow cadets, family and community.

Cadet Lt. Col. Fife said, My group visited thePalace at Westminster, Tower of London, andBuckingham Palace. We also took a cruise downthe Thames River and saw many other interestingsites.

Emily Hudson (USA escort), Holland Bankston, SierraLarson, Kaitlyn Fife, and Joseph Spletzer in front of thePrime Minister's residence at 10 Downing St., London.


29/56


Page 29 of 56

Chabely Pollier (Belgium) and Vivian Lee (Hong Kong) return to their party after a winch-launch glider flight.

On the agenda, there were many exciting things planned for thevisitors, such as a tour of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, aCricket lesson from the RAF Digby team, ice skating at the DoncasterDome, a tour of York, shooting and go-karting at RAF Digby, winch-launch gliding at RAF Cranwell, a tour of Nottingham Castle,Cambridge, and a formal dinner at College Hall, RAF Cranwell.

Fife, a 2011 graduate of C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport, iscurrently attending the Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista,Virginia.

Each countrys delegation laid a commemorative cross at the Air ForcesMemorial where 11 different countries are honored, most of which were

represented by cadet exchange participants.

Having been a CAP member since 2007, Fife has manyaccomplishments to her credit. She attended four Cadet SummerEncampments one year as Wing Cadet Commander and wasselected as the 2011 Louisiana Wing Cadet of the Year. She earned aWing Commanders Commendation Award.

Fife attended some of the choicest National Cadet SpecialActivities: the Balloon Academy in Illinois, Specialized UndergraduatePilot Training Familiarization Course (SUPTFC) at Columbus AFB,National Flight Academy at Shawnee, Okla. and Cadet Officer Schoolat Maxwell AFB.


30/56


Page 30 of 56

This year, in addition to the United States, the following countries hosted CAP cadets:Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Turkey, Israel, Ghana, Japan, SouthKorea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

CAPs participation in the exchange began in 1947 with the arrangements for an exchange ofcadets between CAP and the Air Cadet League of Canada. Since the first exchange of cadetsduring the summer of 1948, the program has continued to expand. Former presidents of the

United States, members of Congress and the heads of many foreign countries have publiclycommended IACE.

CAP sponsors U.S. participation by arranging housing accommodations, travel itineraries,educational, recreational and social activities for the international cadets while they are in theUnited States. The hosting organizations of the participating countries also perform these sameservices for the American cadets visiting them.

Length of stay at the U.S. and abroad lasts just over two weeks, and give the cadets anopportunity to visit many areas oftheir host countries. Cadets visitingthe U.S. are hosted by CAP units inthe various states. In addition, mostparticipants are given a special tour

of our nations capital.What it Was Like for Me

by Cadet Lt. Col. Kaitlyn E. R. Fife,CAP

IACE is one of those experiencesthat you cant believe youre having. Iwould wake up every day and think,Yeah, Im still in the UK.

When it came right down to it,though, the international travel wasntwhat made IACE so special. What

truly made the trip unforgettable werethe people we met and the bonds weformed with our counterparts fromacross the world.

I remember standing outside thecoach on our last day, ready to leavefor the airport, when one of theinternational cadets approached me.She was wearing my USA polo, Iwas wearing her South Korea polo,and suddenly something clicked. Inthat instant, both of us realized justhow alike how human all of us

were. That moment alone made thetrip worth-while for me.

Holland Bankston (USA), Kaitlyn Fife,Yun Sil Yang (S. Korea), Joseph Spletzer

(USA), and Daryl Chen (Singapore)entering the town of Uxbridge, their first

stop after arriving in the UK.


31/56


Page 31 of 56

Top: Aircrew members Maj. Don Pocock, CAP (Observer), Capt. Jerry Kerr, CAP (Pilot) and S.M. Corrine Dupuis, CAP(Mission Scanner). (Photo: 1st Lt. Jerad Hoff, CAP) Bottom: Fallow field. (Photo: CAP aircrew.)

Arizona Wing Flies Agricultural Assistance Sorties

by Capt. Jerry Kerr, CAP

PHOENIX Starting on June 3, 2011, Arizona Wing members conducted several flights toidentify possible cotton field infestation in support of the Pink Bollworm Eradication Program

conducted by the Arizona CottonResearch and Protection Council(ACRPC) and the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture (USDA).

Capt. Jerry Kerr, commander ofArizona Wings GoodyearComposite Squadron and an Area

Field Supervisor for the ArizonaCotton Research and ProtectionCouncil, speaking for the ACRPC,said, We, in conjunction with theUSDA, have successfullyeradicated the Pink Bollworm fromArizona. As a follow-up to theeradication program, we need tomonitor cotton fields using insect


32/56


Page 32 of 56

traps to ensure we dont have a re-infestation. The drastic increase in cotton prices has causedplanted acres to skyrocket, and in order to locate and facilitate trapping all fields, we (the ACRPC)have requested assistance from Civil Air Patrol for aerial photo-survey.

CAPs aerial photography has become an essential part in the effort to protect this valuable

crop, support the economy, and benefit the community.Larry Antilla, ACRPC Director, said, "The Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council is

greatly indebted to the Civil Air Patrol for its assistance in this program. Timing in finding thecondition of cotton fields at an early growth stage is critical to the success of the multi-milliondollar effort to eradicate pink bollworm in the United States and Mexico. Without the Civil AirPatrol's eye in the sky, a vitalwindow of opportunity couldeasily be missed, therebysignificantly increasing both theduration and cost of theprogram."

The aerial photographs that

Arizona Wing provided toACRPC have given the lattervital assessment informationtheyll use to curb furtheroutbreaks.

This page: Infested fields.(Photos: CAP aircrew)


33/56


Page 33 of 56

The cadets stand at the entrance of the presidential planes section of the AF Museum. (L-R) Cadet Staff Sgt. Daniel Webster,Cadet Airman Wesley Nabors, Cadet Airman 1st Class Quintin Tabler and Cadet Airman Owen Procknaw.(Photo above: Lt.Col. Larry Webster; All others, U.S. Air Force)

99th Composite Squadron Members Visit the USAF Museum

by Lt. Col. Larry Webster, CAP

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. OnAug. 2, 2011, 99th CompositeSquadron cadets and seniormembers traveled to Dayton,Ohio to visit the NationalMuseum of the United States

Air Force. The membersenjoyed seeing the history ofthe Air Force at its humbleorigins as part of the U.S.Armys Signal Corps and as itdeveloped after the U.S. AirForce was created in 1947.

The Wright 1909 MilitaryFlyer (right) became the first


34/56


Page 34 of 56

military heavier-than-air flyingmachine. Uponpurchase by theSignal Corps for$30,000 on Aug.2, 1909, theU.S. Armydesignated theWright 1909Military Flyer asSignal CorpsAirplane No. 1,and it remainedthe only Armyairplane fornearly twoyears. The exhibit at the museum is an exact reproduction of the original. Its engine was donatedby Orville Wright and other flight control parts by the Wright family.

The North American P51 Mustang (above) was among the best and most well-known fightersused by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Possessing excellent range andmaneuverability, the P-51 operated primarily as a long-range escort fighter and also as a groundattack fighter-bomber. The Mustang served in nearly every combat zone during WWII, and laterfought in the Korean War.

Beginning in 1989, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and theMcDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) Phantom Works developed the technologies required for anagile, tailless fighter. In 1994 at its St. Louis, Mo. facility, to validate the advanced technologies ina real flight environment, the Phantom Works began building two unmanned X-36 Tailless FighterAgility Research Aircraft vehicles (below) using rapid prototyping techniques. For flight control,the X-36 replaced the elevators, ailerons and rudders found on traditional aircraft with splitailerons and a thrust-vectoring nozzle for directional control. It also incorporated an advanced,single-channel digital fly-by-wire control system developed from commercially available

components.

Many other planes from all eras spanning the years from WWI to the present were ondisplay. Other exhibits showed the equipment, uniforms, and other memorabilia from throughoutthe Air Forces history.

Squadron members also toured the area where past presidential airplanes are kept. Amongthose they walkedthrough werePresident Trumansand PresidentKennedys. Seniormembers Lt. Col.Larry Webster, Lt.

Col. Dale Dohmen,and Lt. Col. DorisCrum along withcadets OwenProcknaw, WesleyNabors, QuintinTabler, and DanielWebster made thetrip.


35/56


Page 35 of 56

The southern horizon taken at approximately 50,000 ft. (The photos accompanying this article have been extracted from thevideo that was taken automatically by the balloons on-board camera.)

Texas Flight Launches their Explorer-II High-Altitude Balloon

by Capt. Dave Augustine, CAP

GRAPE CREEK, Texas On July 30, 2011, the Three Rivers Flight, Texas Wing, had anotherhigh-altitude success. The unit managed to build, launch, and recover a second high-altitudeballoon, the second attempt at getting high-altitude images, either still or video footage. While theballoon failed to reach its intended goal of 100,000 feet, this time it came much closer to it, as itattained nearly 92,000 feet. Along the way, the launching team experienced some difficulties.

The Explorer-II launch from the Grape Creek Independent School District High Schools north

parking lot had been planned for 9 a.m. CDT, but the team missed the deadline. After ensuringthe electronic equipment in the package was emitting the required signals, the team started fillingthe balloon on time at 8:30 a.m, as others started assembling and securing the package for theballoons liftoff.

After a few minutes, the fill team needed to tap the second helium tank (the first one containedthe remnants of the first launch in January, 2011) so a tank swap was needed. That's when theteam began experiencing the excitement of a NASA-like minor delay." Upon restarting theballoon fill, the sound of helium flowing into the balloon stopped. In troubleshooting, the team


36/56


Page 36 of 56

Taken from Explorer IIs package payload, the southeastern horizon from approximately 60,000 ft.

removed the hose from the balloon and opened the valve on the fill tube to determine if gas couldget past the valve. Powder from inside the balloon flowed out into the wind, but no heliumseemed to escape. Since it appeared that the powder wasn't blocking the aperture into theballoon, there had to be a blockage in the regulator.

Disassembling the regulator revealed a piece of plastic approximately .05 inch in diameter(about the size of an automatic pencils lead) and some 4 inches long that blocked the valve.Trying to remove it with needle-nose pliers, a safety pin, or the wire from a condenser provedunsuccessful, as it was tightly wedged. Finally, twisting it loose with a small jewelers screwdriver

provided enough space between the valves wall and the plastic to allow filling the balloon.

All this time, the cameras had been running, so the team had to disassemble the package toturn them off and save battery life. The helium filling slowed down even more. Finally, the balloonreached helium lift poundage and the team resealed and attached the package. At 11:21 a.m.,Explorer-II was airborne from the north parking lot of the Grape Creek Independent SchoolDistrict high school.

The team watched the balloon rise to about 1,000 feet before they started to clean up thearea. With all gear loaded into the support vehicle, the chase team began their trek. At first theyheaded northwest on U.S. Highway 87 towards Sterling City, Texas, as that was where thecomputer simulations had put the expected touchdown site. When the team reached the rest areanorth of Water Valley, they stopped to follow the flight path, since the balloon had ascended tothe north, but was now moving to the south. It showed an altitude of about 26,000 ft.

Believing they had taken the wrong heading, they backtracked to Farm-to-Market (FM) road2034 and headed west from Water Valley. One map showed this road running across someunpopulated area and intersecting with Texas Highway 163 that ran north to Sterling City. Theteam was off again.

"Check another map" is always sage advice. The road turned from paved to dirt, and afterdriving for approximately 45 minutes over very rough dirt roads, the team came upon a fence witha gate across it. Backtracking and trying a different route at an intersection ended in the samesituation. The team had moved into an unpopulated area where cell phone towers don't reach.Luckily, the onboard equipment still got the radio signals from the balloon, but the team could no


37/56


Page 37 of 56

longer track it with the computer map. This part of Texas has "only sagebrush and jackrabbits,and the jackrabbits don't want to be there."

The team finally managed to backtrack to Water Valley, only to find that the balloon had madea loop in its flight path and continued north toward Sterling City. The chase vehicle now followedU.S. Highway 87 to Sterling City and headed west on Texas Highway 134 towards Garden City.Back in touch with a computer signal, the map gave a last-known location of approximately 13

miles west of Sterling City at an altitude of just over 3,600 feet.

The team reached what the map called "County Road 203-P" and followed it north from thehighway. While this might pass for a "county road" in a remote part of Texas, in other parts of thecountry it would probably be called a driveway. Just as the vehicle turned onto 203-P, the radiosignals from the balloon again popped up on the on-board equipment. This meant that it was veryclose, perhaps within walking distance.

The team was able to pull up Google Earthon the computer and plugged in the location GlobalPositioning System (GPS) coordinates being sent by the package, then checked the vehiclesown location with a cellular telephone GPS, entering that position into the program. The answerwas that the vehicle was 117 meters (383 feet) from the package at an azimuth of 313 degrees.

At 4:07 p.m. CDT, as the vehicle drove along road 203-P, the team noticed the silver boxexterior of the balloon package at about 9 yards off the road to the right. Shouts of, "There it is!

There it is!" rose from the chase vehicle, and the box was promptly recovered.

The team returned the package to its command post, tired from the excitement of their travels.The images accompanying this article were captured from the video. The latter will be postedonline, after it is reduced to a manageable size for uploading. Below is a photo of U.S. Highway87 North from Grape Creek, taken from approximately 15,000 feet.

The squadron gratefully acknowledges the generous support of: Air Force Association,American Legion Post 32, ATMOS Energy, 29th Street Wal-Mart, Robison Electric, Home Depot,Michalewicz Insurance Agency in Grape Creek, Dave Lewis, and Grape Creek IndependentSchool District.


38/56


Page 38 of 56

Craighead County Circuit Judge David Laser presents the Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award to Cadet 2nd Lt. George IkeHeinemann. (Photo: Maj. John Brandon)

Jonesboro Cadet Earns Mitchell Award

by Maj. John Brandon, CAP

JONESBORO, Ark. On July 18, 2011, at a Civil Air Patrol ceremony in Jonesboro, CadetGeorge Ike Heinemann was presented the Brigadier General Billy Mitchell Award that carrieswith it a promotion to Cadet 2nd Lieutenant. Heinemann, who is in line to assume the position ofcadet commander for the 120th Composite Squadron in Jonesboro, is a freshman at Valley View

High School. He is the son of Joe and Meribeth Heinemann, of Jonesboro.

Heinemann has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol since February 2009 and has completedUrban Direction Finding, Mission Radio Operator, Basic Communications, and GeneralEmergency Services training. Heinemann has also served on the Cadet Advisory Council for theArkansas Wing and has earned his solo glider pilot wings.

Craighead County Circuit Court Judge David Laser presented the Billy Mitchell Award toHeinemann, and joined Heinemanns father in pinning Cadet Heinemanns new rank insigniaonto his uniform.

The Mitchell Award created in 1964 honors the late Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell (posthumouslypromoted to Maj. Gen.), who was an aviation pioneer and staunch supporter of an independentair force for America. The award marks the halfway point of Cadet Heinemanns progressionthrough the 16-level cadet program. To earn the Mitchell Award, he passed tests in leadership,aerospace education, and physical fitness, and attended the Arkansas Wings BasicEncampment, an annual summer activity held at Little Rock Air Force Base.

On the same evening, Arkansas Wing Commander Col. Doug Alexander presented the PaulE. Garber Award to Maj. William D. Travis. This award marks the completion of Level IV of theCAP Senior Member Professional Development Program, a prerequisite for promotion to CAPlieutenant colonel. In attendance were Wing Vice Commander Lt. Col. Jim Gilbert, Wing Chief ofStaff Lt. Col. Harrell Clendenin, and Wing Assistant Director of Maintenance 1st Lt. WalterGlosenger.


39/56


Page 39 of 56

Dr. Larry S. Crumpler shows a satellite photograph of Martian rover Opportunity that was taken on the surface of Mars onSept. 11, 2011. Part of the rover is made from metal from the debris of the World Trade Center, which was destroyed on09/11/2001. The flag on the rover was donated by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.(Photo: Lt. Col. Jay T. Tourtel)

A Visit With Mars

by Cadet Tech. Sgt. Connor J. Welch, CAP

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. On Sept. 15, 2011, the Albuquerque Heights Spirit CompositeSquadron was honored by a visit from Dr. Larry S. Crumpler, a volcanologist, geologist andresearch curator for the New Mexico Natural History and Science Museum. He divides hisresearch between two topics: (1) the study of young volcano fields in both New Mexico andArizona, and the physical processes of volcanism, particularly unstudied volcanology; and (2)

geology of terrestrial planets. He played a key role in NASAs Viking, Pathfinder and MarsExploration missions, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) HiRISE (High ResolutionImaging Scientific Experiment) instrument team. A ridge on Mars is named after him.

Dr. Crumpler works with NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratories, the Pasadena, Calif.organization in charge of all NASA solar system missions. As a primary leader in JPLs Martianrover missions, he communicates daily via telecom with JPL and other scientists at institutionsaround the country. Every day, information arrives from the rovers, and Dr. Crumpler and histeam analyze it to make critical decisions in planning the next move and area of interest.


40/56


Page 40 of 56

Dr. Crumpler is stationed in New Mexico because of his studies of volcanoes. New Mexicosvolcanoes and volcanic terrain are similar to the terrain he is studying on Mars. His goal is to helpeveryone appreciate that volcanoes are the single most important natural history characteristicthat sets New Mexico apart from the rest of the southwestern states.

He gave an overview of the life and major accomplishments and discoveries of both roversfrom the beginning of their exploration to the present. He also shared some amazing images of

the Martian surface from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, showing the path that the rovershave been taking.

Dr. Crumpler explained the complicated situations that faced the JPL team and how theyworked together to solve them. This is a prime example of leadership, teamwork, and followership and how they are used daily to complete challenging tasks. The JPL team has a mix ofscientists, engineers, geologist, biologists and volcanologists that have worked together to makethe decisions as to where and what the rover is to do next.

JPLs next rover, Curiosity, will launch in November 2011 and will land on Mars by August2012. Almost three times the size of its predecessors Spirit and Opportunity, Curiosity is nuclear-powered and has no need to rely on solar energy or be near the Mars equator. Curiosity will lastmuch longer and explore areas of the Martian surface that Spirit and Opportunity are not able toreach. It will take eight and a half months for the rover to arrive on Mars unlike Spirit and

Opportunity that took only seven months to arrive because Mars had been closer to Earth then.Dr. Crumplers visit was exciting and awe-inspiring. We hope to keep in touch with him and the

future travels of the new rover Curiosity.

Dr. Crumpler receives a squadron challenge coin from Cadet Tech. Sgt. Connor J. Welch, second from right, and his parents,2nd Lts. Guy and Julie Welch. (Photo: Lt. Col. Jay T. Tourtel)


41/56


Page 41 of 56

The Louisiana Wing Color Guard forms at the Wing Conference, preparing to render honors as the colors are presented.(Photos: Maj. Victor Santana, CAP)

Louisiana Wing Holds Annual Conference

by Maj. Michael James, CAP

PINEVILLE, La. On Aug. 13-14, 2011, more than 100 Civil Air patrol members from aroundthe state attended the Louisiana Wing Conference at the Country Inn and Suites Hotel.

Scheduled guestspeakers for the two-day event wereSouthwest RegionCommander Col.Frank A. Beuthe, CAPNational CadetSpecial Activities

Program Manager Mr.Steven J. Trupp andVice-Commander ofCAP-USAF Col. PaulD. Gloyd, II.

Louisiana Wingwas very proud tohave Col. Mary Feikas a very special


42/56


Page 42 of 56

guest, who spoke tothe group and offeredencouragement andadvice to the cadets.Feik, who is well-known in the aviationcommunity as afamous aviator andengineer, sharedmany of her lifeexperiences. Cadetshad the opportunity tovisit with her and askquestions. (At left, sheis shown with hercadets. Below, shespeaks with a cadetwho has recently

earned the Feik Achievement Award, as Col. Art Scarbrough looks on.)

After overhauling her first automobile engine at 13, Mary Feik turned to aircraft engines andmilitary aircraft at 18, eventually teaching aircraft maintenance to crew chiefs and mechanics forthe U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942.

Feik is credited with having been the first woman engineer in research and development in theAir Technical Service Commands Engineering Division.

In addition to logging more than 5,000 hours as a B-29 flight engineering observer and pilot infighter, attack, bomber, cargo and training aircraft, she also designed high-performance and jetfighter pilot transition trainers as well as aircraft maintenance trainers.

Also a writer of note, Feik authored pilot training manuals and technical engineering reportsthat were distributed throughout the armed forces.

Although known for her many accomplishments, in 2003 she said, My ultimate honor [is] theCivil Air Patrol cadet achievement created in my name.

Breakout sessions offered many opportunities for CAP members to get up-to-date informationon professional development, aerospace education, air operations, safety and finance.

Cadets provided a color guard during opening and closing ceremonies.

The eventculminated in anAwards Banquet,during whichnumerous LouisianaWing members wererecognized for theiroutstanding service

during 2010. TheLouisiana NationalGuards 156th ArmyBand provided specialentertainment at thebanquet.


43/56


Page 43 of 56

Texarkana Mayor Wayne Smith and 1st Lt. Carol Collins, CAP95th Composite Squadron Hosts Texarkana Mayor at Weekly Meeting

by 1st Lt. Carol Collins

TEXARKANA, Ark. On Aug. 22, 2011, during its weekly meeting at the Texarkana RegionalAirport, the 95th Composite Squadron was honored by the visit of Texarkana Mayor WayneSmith. The latter spoke to the cadets and senior members about his life, and what led him to theposition he now holds as the mayor as well as warden of the downtown prison. Mayor Smith, whoholds several academic degrees, had a message to the cadets, Take advantage of everyopportunity to learn, look before you leap, and although the military isnt for everyone, it oftenturns the average person into a true leader, able to do great things.

Mayor Smith acknowledged that he had been just an average local boy through graduationfrom Arkansas High School in 1967, until the day his life changed when he received a specialletter from Uncle Sam. It opened with Greetings and it meant that he was being drafted intothe U.S. Army. He reported to Fort Polk, La., where the Army decided he was a little above therest in leadership potential. In fact, the Army opened opportunities at every stage of his training,and he soon found himself in a leadership position in an infantry platoon in Germany, since hisolder brother was already in Vietnam.

When his brother left Vietnam, it was Mayor Smiths turn, and he deployed as a sergeantassigned to a Long Range Patrol unit. He earned several military decorations, including one fromthe Vietnamese government for his services to their country. He learned that all the training hehad received at various stages (especially map reading) was no longer a game, and had becomea very real part of life in the Army and staying alive in Vietnam.

Mayor Smith eventually finished his Army tour and moved back to Texarkana, where his Armytraining qualified him for the Federal Correction Prison System, eventually becoming a warden inthe system. His new civilian career took him from Minnesota to California and then Florida beforehe left it to become a school teacher.

He and his wife moved back to Texarkana, where he became the warden of the local prison.He advised one and all, Take advantage of every opportunity when it presents itself, and lookbefore you leap. During last years election season, he discovered that he matched his ownpersonal criteria for mayor better than any other candidate, so with his wifes approval he decidedto run. And won.


44/56


Page 44 of 56

Arizona Wing Fliesits Gliderby Maj. David Gregor,CAP

DEER VALLEY, Ariz.

After having been downfor maintenance for fourmonths, glider N2890Hflew on Saturday, July 24,2011 at Deer Valleys TurfGlider Port. Six cadetsfrom Glendale CompositeSquadron 308 enjoyedflights near LakePleasant.

The pilot, Capt. IvanManoogian, CAP, waschallenged when one

cadet turned out to be 6 5 and tilted the scales at almost the maximum allowable weight. Acomplex weight and balance computation had to be completed to ensure a safe flight.

Capt. Manoogian said, Flying cadets on a glider is fun. Many have practice playing on theMicrosoft Flight Simulator software, so they catch on quickly. Its common that after an orientationflight they want to become pilots too.

Growing up, he developed his love of flight by making model gliders. As he grew older, hedecided to become a glider pilot. Today he holds a Master CFI accreditation on gliders, and is anFAA safety team representative.

One of Capt. Manoogians students, CAP Cadet 2nd Lt. Shanna Anderson, just got her FAAglider private pilots license. Im very proud of her, and happy that she succeeded, he said.

The wings glider program coordinator, 2nd Lt. Markus Wegner, is working hard to ensure the

wing makes enough glider flights to retain its glider and get more.

The Glider Squadron that once had 4 gliders currently has 3 more glider pilots getting theirclearance to help fly Arizona Wing cadets.

The squadrons long-term goals include reacquiring another glider to keep flying the hundredsof CAP cadets in the wing.

Arizona Wing Glider Program participants enjoy flying out of Turf, and the wing hopes to seemany more customers sign up for flights in the days to come.


45/56


Page 45 of 56

Continental Airlines Check Airman Captain Ken Voss introduces Cadet Airman Jonathon Krouse to the Boeing 737-800simulator at the Continental Airlines Pilot Training Center. (Photos: Capt. Glenn Shellhouse, CAP)

Cadets Visit, Fly Continental Airlines Simulator

by Cadet Lt. Col. Daniel Shellhouse, CAP

HOUSTON On Aug. 13, 2011, members of the Marauder Composite Squadron had theopportunity to tour the Continental Airlines Pilot Training Center. At the focus of the tour was apractice ride on a Boeing 737-800 simulator.

The cadets and senior members were each allowed to pilot the $19.5 million simulator, withgraphics powered by Google Earth. The cadets, in shifts, controlled the aircraft during each stageof flight.

It was amazingly realistic, just like being in the cockpit of a real airliner, said Cadet AmandaCraig, a freshman at Porter High School. At one point we even heard a loud boom andexperienced a simulated engine failure.

The tour was led Captain Ken Voss, a Continental Airlines pilot and check airman. Capt. Vossinstructed the cadets in the proper procedures for flying the simulator.

The cadets did a great job, said Voss. Many of them have experience flying CAP aircraft,and that showed-up in their ability to fly the simulator so well.


46/56


Page 46 of 56

Top: Captain Ken Voss congratulates Cadet Amanda Craig on her first time at the controls of a Boeing 737-800 flightsimulator. Bottom: Captain Ken Voss assists as Cadet Capt. Brandon Cambio, Cadet Commander of the MarauderComposite Squadron, practices his stick and rudder skills on a Boeing 737-800 flight simulator.

The tour of the training center is part of CAP's mission to educate cadets about possibleaerospace careers.

We like to familiarize young men and women with a variety of aviation-related careers, saidthe unitsAerospaceEducation Officer,1st. Lt. SteveTaylor. Flying thesimulator gavecadets a hands-onfeel of what it is liketo pilot acommercialairliner.

The Marauder

CompositeSquadron isheadquartered inKingwood andserves the entireLake Houstoncommunity.


47/56


Page 47 of 56

In San Tan Valley, Ariz., a flooded field at Johnson Ranch. (Top photo: CAP aircrew. All others: 1st Lt. Jerad Hoff, CAP)

Arizona Wings Exercise Includes Real Mission Needs

by 1st Lt. Jerad Hoff, CAP

PHOENIX On Aug. 20, 2011, hypothetical Hurricane Pancho was supposed to whirl intoArizona with winds gusting to 135 mph, leaving a wake of damage and flooding throughout

southern portions of the state. Such was thescenario that had been planned for astatewide exercise that Arizona Wing wouldbe conducting starting on that day.

CAP-USAF advisors/observers.

Instead, after Thursdays storms, thephone started ringing, bringing requests fromthe Arizona Department of EmergencyManagement (ADEM) and the NationalWeather Service (NWS) asking for aerialphotographs of storm-affected areas. Throwin an Air Force assigned mission, and the


48/56


Page 48 of 56

day became quite busy for Arizona Wing members.

Wing officials tweaked Saturdays plan, re-tasking aircraft from their planned exercise sortiesto, instead, cover requests for photographs from areas spread across nine different counties. Theprevious weeks severe stormhad created flooding, andthere was the possibility ofmicrobursts and tornadoes.The NWS neededphotographic evidence tosupport the reports they weregetting from the affectedareas. ADEM also was

looking for photographs ofareas affected by recentwildfires, protective dikes toassess their effectiveness,and the condition of severalwashed-out roads.

Wing Vice Commander Lt.Col. Brian Ready said thetiming just happened to work


49/56


Page 49 of 56

out very well, as the Wing was able to manage so many requests on a single day. We alreadyhad planned to set up a mission base, had aircrews assigned, and an ambitious exercise toexecute. All that was required was for us to change assignments for the aircrews before theydeparted.

Ken Waters, the NWS Phoenix offices Warning Coordination Meteorologist, hoped that havinghigh-quality aerial photography would help in their work. This is something new for us, to haveaccess to [aerial photographs], Waters said. Were always looking for any documentation of

storm damage.

Waters said the information would become part of the official record and that the data wouldbe placed into a national database that is used by those who study storm damage, includingscientists, emergency managers, and private industries such as insurance companies. Gettingphotographs from the air provides a clear perspective that tells the story of what happened. Onthe other hand, according to Waters, Its very difficult to do that on the ground.

The NWS will review the photos provided by the Arizona Wing aircrews, looking for patterns inthe damage that might reveal the direction and path of the winds, such as straight-line orrotational winds that could be further evidence of tornado activity.

Re-focusing the exercise didnt slow down the ground team training planned for the day,making mission base at the Deer Valley Airport a busy place, teeming with people. Over twentysenior members and cadets participated in classroom sessions and field training, intent onfurthering their ground team qualifications.

Mission base personnel kept busy with tracking CAP aircraft and staffing the neededcommunications equipment. Four CAP-USAF officers were also on hand to observe and sharetheir expertise.

Lt. Col. Ready was thrilled with Saturdays end result, I couldnt be more pleased with how wewere able to change our training objectives on the fly and meet our partners needs. We havesome great people working in this Wing, and Im very proud of them, he said.


50/56


Page 50 of 56

Cadets from Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas Wings form for a group photograph during the 2011 Louisiana Wing SummerEncampment. (Photos: Maj. Victor Santana, CAP)

Cadets Experience Exciting Activities at Summer Encampment

by Maj. Michael James, CAP, Louisiana Wing

BOSSIER CITY, La. On July 14-24, 2011, more than 85 cadets from Louisiana, Mississippiand Texas Wings, supervised by 9 senior members serving as senior staff and mentors, attendedLouisiana Wings annual summer cadet encampment at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Exciting, intense and interactive activities helped introduce the first-time cadets to Air Forcevalues and traditions while they developed teamwork and self-confidence in what was, for many,their first experience away from home. Stress and time management, leadership and self-discipline broadened the participants understanding of aerospace subjects.

Meanwhile, the advanced cadets applied their leadership skills while serving in positions ofresponsibility, as they taught the junior cadets essential Civil Air Patrol subjects, regulations andskills.

Staying in Air Forcequarters, the cadetslearned to make theirbeds and keep theirrooms tidy in accordancewith encampmentrequirements. While onbase, they enjoyedwholesome food in thedining hall; while off-base,they experienced meals-ready-to-eat (MREs) andbox lunches.

The first-time cadetswere assigned to flights


51/56


Page 51 of 56

with about 14 other cadetsranging in age from 12 to 18.Daily, they ate, slept, exercisedand attended activities with theirflight, learning to work together asa team in a challengingenvironment.

We had many activities thatwere very educational and fun forthe cadets, said Maj. VictorSantana, Louisiana Wing Directorof Cadet Programs. The activitiesincluded a tour of a B-52, goingthrough a confidence course, alow ropes course, water survivaltraining, drug use preventionpresentations, drill competition,SWAT demonstration, characterdevelopment briefing, pool party,

outdoor survival training, firingrange demonstration and canine training team demonstration.

Complementing their training, personnel from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Army NationalGuard and Caddo Parish Sheriff Department provided briefings about career options.

An event of this magnitude cannot be accomplished without extensive planning andpreparation. I want to extend my thanks to those who made this encampment a great success,said Louisiana Wing Commander Col. Art Scarbrough as he spoke during the graduationceremony at the encampments conclusion.


52/56


Page 52 of 56

Seated next to a CFI from Hub City Aviation, Cadet Staff Sgt. Cody Crabb takes the controls of a Piper Archer full-motionsimulator. Cadets from the Lubbock squadron spent the evening flying the pattern at Lubbock International Airport.(Photos:1st Lt. Kyle Vernon, CAP)

Lubbock Cadets Try Full-Motion Flight Simulator

by 1st Lt. Kyle Vernon, CAP

LUBBOCK, Texas Since the Lubbock Composite Squadron had agreed to help out atLubbock's annual Free Breakfast Fly-In, Lubbock Aero, a Fixed Base Operator at the LubbockInternational Airport, invited the squadrons cadets to fly in their newest, state-of-the-art full-motion simulator and practice landings in their cross-wind trainer.

But before the digital tires could ever leave the silicon runway, the cadets had to roll up theirsleeves and go to work. On Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, squadron members arrived at sunrise atthe 5th Annual Lubbock Fly-In. Aircraft from across the Texas Panhandle converged on Lubbockfor camaraderie and to take advantage of a free breakfast. Cadets trained on flight marshallingskills began parking the first of 15 arrivals, under the guidance of Lubbock Aero staff and thewatchful eye of the FAA, several members of the Lubbock City Council, and the local press.Three hours after their arrival, the reverse process of loading and departure began. Thus, othercadets got the chance to take down tables and chairs that had seated the crowd of about 200.

southwest region - oct 2011

Documents